Challis Community Trails Alliance directory

The Challis Community Trails Alliance (CCTA) is a community-driven, volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing trail-based recreation in and around Challis, Idaho. CCTA works to connect the community with the surrounding public lands by developing, maintaining, and promoting accessible trail systems for residents and visitors while supporting a broad range of outdoor recreation opportunities.

CCTA brings together community members and representatives from the City of Challis, Challis Chamber of Commerce, Bureau of Land Management Challis Field Office, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Challis Area Health Center, and Salmon-Challis National Forest. The organization works collaboratively with these agencies and other partners on trail planning, construction, maintenance, recreation projects, volunteer stewardship, and community events.

CCTA's primary trail project is the Challis Foothills Trail System, a multi-use network connecting the town of Challis with the surrounding foothills. The system includes approximately 25 miles of non-motorized singletrack across 34 trails, along with approximately 11 miles of additional multi-use singletrack open to motorized use. The network accommodates mountain biking, hiking, trail running, horseback riding, winter recreation, and designated motorized use. CCTA has played a central role in developing and maintaining the system in partnership with the BLM, City of Challis, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, and Tread Lightly!.

Beyond the Challis Foothills, CCTA supports trail stewardship and recreation projects throughout the surrounding area, including volunteer trail construction and maintenance projects on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The organization also operates Big Hill Nordic, a volunteer-groomed Nordic ski trail system approximately seven miles from downtown Challis, and provides a Nordic ski equipment lending library for the community.

CCTA hosts volunteer trail work days, community recreation events, and the annual Challis Trail Festival, while encouraging residents and visitors to participate in trail stewardship and outdoor recreation. Through its collaborative approach, CCTA serves as an important community partner connecting local trail users, public land managers, and recreation organizations in the Challis area.

Challis Community Trails Alliance is a key organization supporting the development, maintenance, stewardship, and promotion of the diverse trail systems surrounding Challis and the broader central Idaho region.